The electric vehicle (EV) market is expanding fast, and the cars are becoming more innovative with every iteration. As new models arrive on our shores you can expect to see longer ranges, faster charging, stylish design and an extensive range of cutting-edge features.

Here's a glimpse at five of the most exciting EVs, bringing market-leading technology to Kiwi drivers. (No promises on their arrival though; if we’ve learned anything from the Tesla Cybertruck, it’s that EV production doesn’t always run smoothly.)  

Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV

Seven seats, up to four golf bags in the boot and incredible entertainment options, the EQS SUV might be the ultimate family car.

The MBUX Hyperscreen is enormous and runs right across the dashboard. It will “gradually learn and adapt to your routines” according to Mercedes-Benz, and in some countries the front seat passenger can even watch movies during the journey. That’s possible thanks to new technology where the car detects if the driver is looking at the passenger-side display and automatically dims the screen.

The digital lights project information onto the road, the navigation system calculates your recharging costs and the 107.8kWh battery provides an impressive nearly 600kms of range. The EQS SUV has rear axel steering that makes it agile for city driving. Claimed to have been produced in a completely carbon-neutral way, this will almost certainly be the costliest SUV in the Mercedes line-up.

Range: 592km

Time to fast charge: 10 to 80% in 10 minutes with the right charger

Arrival: Coming soon, says Mercedes-Benz NZ, and it can be ordered in Australia already

Polestar 4

The space of an SUV with the aerodynamics of a coupe – the Polestar 4 takes elements from a concept car to create a car that’s both eye-catching and practical.

The Polestar 4 has no rear window. Instead, a rear-facing HD camera gives you a wider field of vision, while the lack of a window means occupants have more space inside the vehicle. The back seats even recline. And there’s plenty of light in the car, thanks to the unique full-length glass roof which stretches right back over the rear passengers and can be made opaque at the touch of a button. Back seat climate and media control means this might be the best rear passenger experience on the market.

The fastest Polestar yet, the 4 goes from zero to 100km/h in 3.8 seconds, and comes with outstanding safety features thanks to its Volvo connections.  

Range: 600km (long-range version)

Time to fast charge: From 10 to 80% in 35 minutes with the right charger

Arrival: Asia-Pacific launch planned for early 2024

BMW i5

The first fully electric 5 series car, the i5 combines an outstanding driving experience with a multisensory entertainment system.

Drivers can take advantage of semi-autonomous features like adaptive cruise control and lane assist, with the cars even able to change lanes if authorised by drivers checking the mirrors. It’s quiet and relaxing to drive, with plenty of power, so a perfect cruiser for long distances.

The Interaction Bar extends across the instrument panel into the doors, with touch-sensitive control panels allowing you to control a range of functions. It has a large, curved infotainment screen in the luxury interior, and it will plan your route while minimising time spent charging. The system allows not only video streaming but also multi-player gaming while stationary, so if you are waiting to charge, the kids won’t be complaining.

Range: 516km

Time to fast charge: From 10 to 80% in around 30 minutes

Arrival: Set to arrive late 2023, now available for preorder

Maserati GranTurismo Folgore

The Folgore is Maserati’s first 100% electric vehicle, developed from Formula E technology – and it’s a stunner.

It has an innovative tri-motor layout, with a 92kWh battery, but it looks like a classic petrol-powered Maserati. The Folgore does zero to 100km/hr in 2.7 seconds and has a top speed of 325km/hr, which is fitting since Folgore means ‘lightning’. Inside, it’s spacious and opulent, with various drive modes to choose from depending on the ride height and performance you prefer. Smooth and responsive, it’s a spectacular driver’s car.

Some reviewers have described the Folgore as the best-looking electric vehicle to date and it will certainly turn heads once it turns up on New Zealand roads.

Range: 450km

Time to fast charge: As fast as 5 minutes to charge to 100km range with the right charger

Arrival: Scheduled for late 2023 for Australia, so should arrive in New Zealand not long after

Volkswagen ID.Buzz

Retro looks, cutting edge technology – the ID.Buzz is a fully electric campervan that reimagines the iconic VW Kombi van.

Despite weighing more than 2.5 tonnes, VW claims the ID.Buzz will do zero to 100km/h in 6.4 seconds. It has a touchpad in the steering wheel, state-of-the-art augmented reality projections and intelligent LED headlights. Its bi-directional charging function means you can use the ID.Buzz as a battery, powering your devices during camping trips or even charge up other EVs. There are even solar panels that fit on the roof which boost the battery considerably.

Range: 423km

Time to fast charge: From 5 to 80% in 30 minutes with the right charger

Arrival: Scheduled for 2023, so it should be coming soon